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Horseback riders push for increased safety

Horseback riders fear it will take an accident or tragedy before drivers learn to share the road.

Therefore, after kicking up a little dust, the equine industry hopes to saddle up some support in Coldstream.

“Someone’s going to get dumped, someone’s vehicle is going to get seriously smashed and someone’s going to get hurt,” said Beth Regehr, pointing to Aberdeen Road (which the Vernon Riding Club is on) as a source of concern.

“Right now ‘Share the road,’ is not working,” said Regehr of signs. “We need to educate the drivers ‘slow down and go wide around the horse.’”

Lois Phelp would like to see the speed limit reduced on Aberdeen and Kalamalka roads to protect riders.

“Now, you’re not safe to ride on any road,” said Phelp.

One of Coldstream’s own politicians shares similar concerns.

“My kids ride that road almost every week and we’ve had some close calls,” said Coun. Richard Enns.

Through it’s official community plan, Coldstream will look at including bridal paths in the community to make riding safer.

With a number of riders and horse breeders in the area, Coldstream is also being urged to make the region an equine destination.

Robyn Dalziel hopes Coldstream will upgrade its mountain trails with parking and water troughs like many parks in the U.S. have.

“We have access to all these beautiful trails but nowhere to park and no water for the horses,” said Dalziel.

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